A thumbnail sketch is a rehearsed, one-minute (or less), memorized presentation that you must be prepared to make to an interviewer. Use you thumbnail sketch (1) during a personal interview when an interviewer asks you, "Tell me about yourself", or (2) during a phone "screening interview". Do not include any personal information. We don't want the "story of your life". This is only a superficial overview of your career history. Nothing you say should lead the interviewer to ask you for further clarification of any specific details. And don't mention the name of any company you've worked for.

Your thumbnail sketch is to written out using the following guidelines:
1.)

Begin with where you were educated.

    "I completed my education in Boston and Los Angeles."
2.)

Describe any post-secondary education and/or military service.

"I graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and a minor in Psychology. I then completed my Masters Degree in Finance at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles.
3.)

Briefly mention the major positions you have had, including industry or product and a few major business accomplishments. Refer to number of employees supervised, the cost or size of a project, budget, equipment, etc.

    "After graduating school, my first position was an Executive Assistant to the President. I handled budgeting, projections, scheduling and marketing. I then went to a pharmaceutical company as the Sales and Marketing Coordinator." Etc.
4.)

Describe your personality (your "claim to fame")

    "I am an excellent organizer, detail-oriented ... I get the job done by following up on every detail."

    "I am an excellent creator of programs and projects, can select the right person for my team, I work to attain the goals of the company and contribute to the development of the overall growth of the organization."

    "I am an excellent motivator, negotiator, liaison between management and staff, and contribute new ideas to the well being and harmony of the organization."

    "I am highly energetic, flexible, realistic and willing to try new ideas.
5.)

Move from past into the present.

    "Presently, I am looking for an opportunity to join a company like yours."
6.)

End your thumbnail sketch with this interview control question to shift the focus back to a description of the position and the company. (Take control of the interview.)

    "Tell me, Mr./Mrs._________, what are the duties and responsibilities of the position?"